Hard to do...

“Never help a child with a task at which he feels he can succeed.” Maria Montessori

One of my favorite quotes from Maria - This is really a difficult thing for all teachers to do since it requires TIME. It is so much easier to zip up little Johnny's coat for him than to watch him try and try and try to do it. But, as long as Johnny isn't frustrated, he is learning, and it is my job to step back and let him learn. Many times in my classroom I will observe children struggling with work - perhaps struggling with the scissors, or having difficulty opening a jar- but if I step in and help them, I am creating students who becomes dependent on me. It is so difficult, because not only does human nature dictate that we help others in need, but also, it feels good to be needed! But [as long as the child isn't struggling to the point of frustration] we are doing the child a disservice by stepping in and helping him. We are stifling a learning opportunity. My goal is to foster independence - to do this I will have to bite my tongue and sit on my hands!